Welcome to Your New Job!

Motherhood has been called the toughest job you’ll ever love, the most rewarding journey you’ll ever travel and the happiest time of your life. (With two little ones of my own, I wholeheartedly concur.)

For those who’ve missed the past nine months around here, Brandy and her husband Dave are six days from bringing Baby J into the world and we’re almost as excited as they are to meet the little guy.

Brandy and Dave in the home stretch!

There’s no doubt she’ll take on the challenges of mothering in the practical and organized way that is her trademark, becoming a pro in no time at all.

Kinda like the way she handles her job here as managing editor.

A job I’ll be doing for the next 12 weeks while she’s on maternity leave.

Help.

Truth be told, Brandy has even been so organized as to…well, organize the next 12 weeks of work I’ll need to cover. She’s gotten all the kinks out of our production schedule, she’s given writers all their deadlines and she’s even sent me appointments reminding me to set appointments.

Now all I have to do is final edit all the writing, map the pages for each issue, create a list of all the project photos for the studio, compile the contracts for our writers and project contributors, get projects organized and delivered to our studio for photography, review first, second and final design proofs, review the final page layouts before they go to the printer, write a few columns, come up with headlines for our covers and organize our post-mortem meetings. For three months.

Nooooooo problem.

If you see our next three issues in your mailbox and on the newsstand, you can thank Brandy. I’ll be the one over there whimpering in the corner.

Brandy, we sure will miss you while you’re gone but we’re so excited for you!

Laughter, adorable baby clothes and lots of cupcakes at our shower for Brandy.

With my respect and appreciation for all you do around here, and love from all of us,
Jennifer

Oh Brandy!! I sure do envy you! I remember that feeling and its one that I wish I could bottle and keep forever. After 3 girls, it still brings a tear to the eye!! Enjoy each and every moment because they go by so quickly! Congrats and can’t wait to meet your new bundle!!

The best of luck to you for a safe and fast delivery! I am actually due tomorrow with my ‘surro-daughter’ so my fingers are crossed that we both have easy deliveries! And no worries here Jennifer-you’ll do great!